Community Forestry of Phrabath Doiton, Lomraet Sub-district, Thoen District, Lampang Province: Development and Conservation Approaches

Abstract

This research aims is to study the problem, development process and conservation, and presentation of the development and conservation approaches of community forestry of Phrabath Doiton, Lomraet Sub-district, Thoen District, Lampang Province. It is a qualitative research based on the study of documents, in-depth interview, and participatory observation. It consists of 24 key informants. The data collection is conducted by content analysis as an essay to present the research results.

The results found that 1. the problem of community forestry is hilly but not steep, arid, remote, and not fertile. In addition, it is encroached and burned for sale. Community lacks of consciousness to maintain and takes away waste in the forest. 2. The development process and conservation of community forest are as follows: 1) community forum; to listen and participate in activities together; 2) working plan for defining rules and regulations; 3) conservation of community forests; and 4) follow-up to operate and set goals to be more efficient and effective. 3. The guidelines for the development and conservation of community forests are included in the followings: 1) cultivating awareness of the value of forest; 2) monks’ roles as the spiritual leaders; 3) community involvement in driving community-targeted activities; 4) local cultural inheritance; and 5) development of community forest areas with activities. The body of knowledge found that the factors of beautiful nature and belief on Buddha's footprint can lead the community forest development based on four aspects: 1) social rules/laws; 2) participation; 3) cultural inheritance; and 4) conservation. The conservation must be related to local beliefs and customs for developing into an ecological tourist destination.